More Than 6,400 Older Australians Died While Waiting for Home Care
New aged care figures in Australia show that 6,436 older people died in the 2025–26 financial year while waiting for funding after being approved for home care, averaging about 17 deaths a day. The figure is approximately 34% higher than the 4,812 deaths recorded among people waiting under the previous home care package system in the prior year. However, the two figures are not directly comparable because the funding systems changed between reporting periods.Demand for aged care services continues to place pressure on the system. As of June 30, 2026, more than 106,000 people were on the official waiting list for the Support at Home program. Separate investigative reporting suggested that the number waiting for full home care funding could be closer to 154,000. Delays can leave older people without timely help with everyday needs such as showering and eating, potentially increasing the risk of hospital admission or an earlier move into residential aged care.Aged care advocates have called for shorter waiting periods and better access to support after assessment. Opposition politicians have also questioned the government's handling and disclosure of the figures. The government, meanwhile, says it delivered an additional 83,000 home care places in 2025–26, with another 32,000 expected to roll out during the current year. The debate highlights continuing questions about service capacity, transparency and how quickly care can reach those who need it.Home care is intended to help older people maintain independence and remain in familiar surroundings for as long as possible. When support is delayed, older people and their families may face additional physical and emotional strain, while hospitals and residential care services may experience greater pressure. Reducing waiting times, expanding service availability and improving transparency around care allocation remain key challenges for Australia's aged care system.
